Papa Grows Funk is back with 'Needle in the Groove'

Papa Grows Funk specializes in robust funk jams that rarely, if ever, lose their way. A far-ranging tour itinerary that reaches all the way to Japan leaves little time for writing and recording new songs; the band hasn’t released a studio album since 2007’s “Mr. Patterson’s Hat.”

For their long-awaited follow-up, the new “Needle in the Groove,” Hammond B3 keyboardist and lead vocalist John “Papa” Gros, guitarist June Yamagishi, bassist Marc Pero, saxophonist Jason Mingledorff and drummer Jeffery “Jellybean” Alexander assembled a cross-generational, cross-genre production team: Half of “Needle in the Groove” was produced by the legendary Allen Toussaint, the other half by Better Than Ezra bassist Tom Drummond.

Papa Grows Funk headlines Tipitina’s on Friday, Oct. 21 for a CD release party. The Brass-a-Holics open the show, starting around 10 p.m. Tickets are $12 at the door.